Viana do Castelo municipal market construction dispute

The construction of the new Municipal Market in Viana do Castelo, a project valued at 13.376 million euros, has faced legal challenges following archaeological excavations at the site. These excavations, which revealed non-religious structures from the 16th-century Convento de São Bento, were expected to conclude in late August to allow construction to begin on September 1.

In early September, the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Braga preliminarily admitted an injunction filed by the heritage defense association Vian’Acorda. The association seeks to halt construction to protect archaeological remains discovered at the former Coutinho building site. Vian’Acorda alleges several legal violations, including non-compliance with the Historic Center Detail Plan, violations of the Water Law regarding flood zones, and a failure to conduct required noise impact assessments. The group also claims that archaeological traces have been destroyed without a final report.

Following the court's decision, construction works on the market have been successfully suspended. The Viana do Castelo City Council has submitted its formal opposition to the court. Mayor Luís Nobre has defended the municipality, stating that all laws have been followed and characterizing the legal action as an “attack on the interests of the local citizens.” He indicated that the city will use judicial mechanisms to protect the project and will seek compensation for financial losses, including potential price revisions requested by contractors due to the delay.